epcot mexico

 

 We stopped in Epcot's Mexico area for some lunch, and I was surprised by how authentic the area was.  The music, the food, the colors, the tile work, and the way the little market was set up all made me feel like I had transported into the streets of the Yucatan Peninsula.  I can't vouch for the other areas, but based on how authentic the Mexico area was, I feel like I've walked a few steps through countries all over the world. 

 I love this goofy girl and that she has the personality to pose silly in pictures without any prompting.  Oh, and these sweet little treats saved us when it warmed up in the afternoons.

epcot the land

 another hidden Mickey :)

epcot the seas

 

 A hidden mickey... they're all over the Disney parks.  It was fun to look for them even through we only found a few.

a magical ending

Day one ended with a spectacular light and fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom (all of these posts and I'm just now ending day one, crazy right?)  I should have taken video of the light show on the castle walls, but we were all in awe and didn't even think to record it.  They projected images onto every crevice of the castle walls transforming the castle from a sketch to wreck it Ralph's walls to the Frozen palace and every Disney movie in between.  The images combined with music and fireworks, and I still catch Maddi chanting "Dreams really do come true" to herself when she thinks no one is listening.  Day one ended with me whispering silent prayers, thanking God that we were there, together, stepping outside of our lives and creating magical memories together.

Electric Parade

This parade was absolutely stunning!  The lights, the music, the characters... it was by far the best parade I've ever seen.

 

presidents and faries

 Some of the shows were actually educational.  It was nice to have fun, and learn a little without even realizing it.  Along with the educational, there was tons of fantasy.  These little pixies made Maddi so happy.  I loved that the characters took time to talk to the kids before signing autographs and taking pictures.  It really made each experience memorable.